Assault on UNIZIK lecturer: Student should be probed, says NANS

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the reported assault of a lecturer by a student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) over a TikTok recording.

In a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday, NANS Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advocating for students’ rights while emphasising the importance of discipline, respect for authority and adherence to institutional regulations.

“NANS has always been at the forefront of advocating for students’ rights, academic freedom, and a conducive learning environment. However, we equally uphold discipline, respect for authority, and adherence to the laws governing our institutions. It is in this light that we strongly condemn the reported incident at UNIZIK, where a student physically assaulted a lecturer over a TikTok recording,” Akinteye stated.

He described the student’s actions as unacceptable, stressing that universities should remain citadels of learning built on mutual respect. While acknowledging students’ rights to self-expression including social media use, he urged them to exercise such rights with responsibility and decorum.

Akinteye reiterated that NANS would not support any student who engages in unlawful behaviour, disrespects lecturers or tarnishes the image of the academic community.

“In light of this incident, we call on the management of UNIZIK to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation to establish the facts of the case. Due diligence must be observed, and all parties involved should be given a fair hearing. However, if the student is found guilty, appropriate sanctions should be applied in line with the institution’s regulations to serve as a deterrent to others,” he added.

Akinteye further emphasised that academic environments must remain spaces of respect, learning and professional engagement.